Mahoney files intimidation bill

State Representative John J. Mahoney (D-Worcester) filed legislation last week aimed at updating the commonwealth’s “Intimidation of a Witness” law. The bill intends to criminalize threatening and intimidating individuals involved in court cases after the cases are closed. Currently, only threats made against people involved in open cases can be prosecuted.

“I would like to thank Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. for bringing this unfortunate loophole in the law to my attention,” Mahoney said. “Hopefully, we will be able to close it soon.”

“Passing this correction of the law will ensure people who are threatened or intimidated will be protected even after the criminal case is closed,” Early said. “This bill provides the language that will fix the law as it stands today.”